Alvin P. Matta

Al was born on May 25, 1947, and raised in North Braddock, a borough located in the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He attended Gannon College as an undergraduate earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1970 and received a Master of Science in Education degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh in 1979. From 1969 to 1975 Al served in the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve in the 171st ARW (Air Refueling Wing). Al was a teacher for many years at St Michael's Grade School in Braddock, Pennsylvania.

In 1982, Al moved to West Palm Beach, Florida and began teaching at Lakeshore Middle School in the Palm Beach County School District. It was there that Al met his future wife Kathy Ballard and they were married in 1983. Al continued teaching, adding Assistant Principal duties in 1988. He was nominated twice during his teaching years for the William T. Dwyer award for Excellence in Education in Palm Beach County. In 1994, Al left teaching for a new career with the Seminole Indian Tribe of Florida, first as a Poker dealer and then as a Pit Manager in the Hollywood, Florida casino operations. Kathy and Al moved that same year to Weston, Florida a suburb of the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood area. After nearly 20 years in casino operations, Al retired in December 2014.

Al is predeceased by his parents, Paul and Mary Matta formerly of North Braddock, Pa. and his sister, Maryanne Stankay( Vince) of Lake Worth, FL.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Kathy Matta of Weston, FL, sister, Jeanne Conway of Pittsburgh, Pa. and sister Roberta Watson of Turtle Creek, Pa. as well as 28 nephews and nieces, 22 great nephews and nieces and 1 great, great niece.

Al leaves behind many dear friends in the Pittsburgh area and in South Florida.

English poet and cleric John Donne wrote, "No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main."

Al Matta's life was woven deeply into the lives of all he touched. He was selfless, putting others needs ahead of his own. He was kind, always looking for the good in someone or something. He was gentle, in his soft-spoke demeanor and good natured attitude. He was funny; he had a great sense of humor and loved pointing out the absurdities of life. He will be remembered for his love of sports and his loyalty to all Pittsburgh teams especially his beloved Pirates! Al had one great love of his life and that was with his wife Kathy. They were married for 33 years, did everything together and were truly best friends.

A Memorial Mass honoring Al's life will be held on June 30, 2016 at 6:00PM in the chapel at Saint Bonaventure Catholic Church, 1301 SW 136th Avenue Davie, FL 33325.